Monday, 26 March 2012

The Stylebook app for iPhone just got better! Or maybe it got better a while ago and I just discovered it recently. But regardless, you can now shop straight from the Stylebook app and import your shopping wish lists right into your virtual Stylebook closet. Building looks and planning your purchases, has literally never been easier.

I would be ecstatic if my Stylebook closet was my actual closet. Let's work on that.

This look is so fun, I love the floral print trousers. It would be a great transition outfit, some bright colours for spring, boots for to keep your feets warm and this great leather pouch belt. So new and refreshing! Plus, I'm a sucker for denim shirts. It must be the country girl in me.

I feel like this look is kind of like if Morticia Adams went to Miami Beach. Super fun, great evening look for those hot summer nights that I keep dreaming about. (When will they get here?!?!) Does anyone else think these Miu Miu shoes are the bees knees? All of their shoes are so FUN.

I just love the neon yellow with the lilac purple. 2012 is all about being daring with colour. With some dark denim and a cute cropped sweater, it's a great look that can go from day to night. And the Mulberry Alexa with the teddy bear details is honestly irresistible. And just so everyone knows, I am currently accepting donations for the "Get Jen a Mulberry Bag Foundation".

I did a post a while back on style icon Edie Sedgwick, and ever since then I've been obsessed with these Oscar de la Renta earrings, they're just so vintage looking and fabulous, I'll have to find myself a budget-friendly version. Anyways, I love this outfit with the purple and cream, and pops of turquoise. And since I already have this dress, I'm 20% there.

Again, a great transition outfit, very simple, but with great detail and texture. Monopolizing on the coloured denim trend, with a simple silk tank top and a lovely, crisp crochet blazer. I also love this Rebecca Minkoff bag. It reminds me of something you would carry to a beach house. This whole outfit in fact belongs in the Hamptons. Step 1: Get this outfit. Step 2: Make friends with someone who lives in the Hamptons. YES.

Sunday, 25 March 2012

Today was a little bit more chilly than what we've been used to here in Ottawa the past few days. While it's not sandal weather anymore, it is still absolutely gorgeous outside.

We took a little stroll up the hill in front of our apartment. Years and years ago (Like before any of us were born) this hill was the Ottawa dump. (ewwwww) But now it's just a big hill where people take their dogs to run.

Look Closely and you can just see the top of the Parliament Buildings!

Our Side of the Hill

Surveying the Land

Its so stunning, because on one side of the hill you see a misty landscape that is our downtown core, (look closely, and you can see Parliament!) and on the other side is our home, and a really grassy view, hard to tell you're in the city when there's this much foliage around you. Just how I like it.

I Whip my Hair back and forth

The grass doesn't seem to know what to do, "do I wake up and start growing? Or do I keep sleeping?" As much as this weather is confusing the wilderness, it's also confusing people.

Last night, driving through downtown we saw a few girls scantily clad in the shortest tank dresses and gladiator sandals. It wasn't even that warm yesterday...It may be nice weather, but it's still March!

Either way, it was nice to take a little stroll around the garbage hill. (I feel like that's a sentence not many people can say with sincerity)

Wednesday, 21 March 2012

Would your 16 year old self be impressed with what your 23 year old self had accomplished? I don't think mine would.

When I was 16, I pictured myself doing so many things. I was an actress, an artist, I worked for a fashion magazine in a big city. I was a model, a designer, a writer. there was even a time when I saw myself being a scientist. (Although getting a passable grade on one chemistry test throughout the whole year kind of put the kibosh on that, plus I don't think those CSI shows are exactly accurate in terms of how glamorous science is.)

I pictured myself going to college, graduating and then being successful in whichever field I chose. When I ended up going to college I took journalism. After a year or so of that, I decided that the job prospects for journalists was a bit too sketchy for me to handle. So I opted out of the second year and began navigating through a string of retail jobs for the next 3 years.

Now I work as a receptionist for a construction company and while it is a steady job in a not so steady economy, and while the people that I work with are lovely and it's a really positive and friendly environment, it is not my thing.

I've come to a point in my life where I feel i need to make a change or forever hold my piece. But the problem with that is that the lifestyle I've become accustomed to (a full time job with full time wages) is going to have to change. I'm so used to having an 8-4, Monday-Friday gig that the idea of having a random schedule, and wonky working hours quite literally scares me. I know it shouldn't.

I applied to go to college this year for Public Relations. With the understanding that public relations is a more encompassing version of journalism, with more jobs and a better future. I really want to go. And I just found out today that I've been accepted.

But the fact that I've whittled this lifestyle and mindset out for myself where I am not a student, and I am an adult who pays bills and thinks about marriage and buying a house, I feel like I can't go back to being a student. I feel like it's an impossibility because of my age and personality.

Plus the financial aspects of it. I am just getting by now with a great paying, full time job. All my bills get paid on time, I do have a chunk of debt, but I'm working on it. I'm comfortable enough to be able to go out on a Friday night or buy myself a new pair of shoes when I need them. (read: want them)

The idea of increasing my debt by about 5 times what it is now, is terrifying to me. At my age I feel like the ship hasn't just sailed; it's sailed, come back, left again, hit and iceberg and sunk Titanic style. Starting something new when you aren't a fresh faced teenager who doesn't know any better is tough.

When I first started college, failure wasn't an option, because I had never experienced it before. Now, four years later, I know what it's like to have school not work out, have a job not be what you thought it was. And putting all my eggs (and money) in the college basket, is such a tough decision.

On the flipside of it, you have to go through tough things to get the things you want, ie. a career I can covet and be proud of. Do I bite the proverbial bullet and go to school, struggle financially, be a little embarrassed to be in classes with 18 and 19 year olds, and possibly gain an interesting job that I can enjoy? Or do I stick where I am, getting older and older, not making any changes or taking risks, making money but never really feeling truly satisfied with the work I do during the week?

When I put it like that, it sounds like an easy decision doesn't it? Too bad things are never as easy as they seem.

Tuesday, 20 March 2012

Having the Stylebook app on my phone is probably the best part of having an iPhone. I can head over to some of my favourite shopping apps, (most of these were copied off my Mulberry app and a Net-a-Porter app) and import them into Stylebook. And then style away! It would probably be more productive if I took photos of my own stuff, then planned future outfits. But isn't it always more fun to dream?

From the looks of it, it appears that I have a thing for wedges.

I feel like this weather has completely invigorated me and picked me up. I feel inspired and happy and lucky for all the amazing things I have. Thanks!

Monday, 19 March 2012

I feel like I respect everyone too much to start a post off by commenting on what a gorgey day it was yesterday. Of course you know it was amazing out!

I was so happy to not bundle my face up and finally be able to set my toes free from their woolly sock prison.

Charles and I decided that yesterday was the perfect day to begin our biking adventures. And I am so glad we went. It was so nice to ride around on the bike paths and stop at some of our favourite spots. We got a panini at Planet Coffee (yum!) and ate while looking down at the locks from majors hill park.

Ice on the River!! Don't I look pleased with having my photo taken?

What's incredible is that even though the temperatures soared yesterday to a record high, there was still snow all around, and ice covering the river! I love the fact that in Canada, there can be ice and snow, and people can still be walking around in shorts and tanky tops!!

Biking isn't very compatible with fashion, it's hard to bike in a dress and heels, so I broke out some leggings, my Keds and an old t-shirt. Comfy!

Just strutting through the living room in my grocery shopping outfit. NBD

To get my fashion fix for the day, I changed into a skirt and silk tank top to go to the grocery store, may have been a bit much but whatevs, and guess what, NO TIGHTS. Bare legs all the way. I never want to wear pants again.

I am now happy to say that summer is officially going to happen. I know we all had some doubts in January, but don't worry folks. It's practically already here!

Tuesday, 13 March 2012

Great news online shoppers! Club Monaco is signing on for online shopping! As of March 26th we'll be able to finally shop online at Club Monaco! They're a little late to the game, but I guess in this case its better late than never!

Not sure what the shipping to Canada will be like, but I think it will definitely be worth it. I always find myself looking at their website online and then hitting the stores, getting overwhelmed and forgetting what it is I wanted to buy.

Plus I LOVE online shopping. It's like sending yourself little gifts every now and then. So if you're like me and super excited to shop Club Monaco online, fan them on facebook and you'll be able to take a peek at their online store a full three days before it's available to the public!

Sunday, 11 March 2012

I guess another thing I wanted to do was to post a great big endorsement post on all the things I love to use on myself. Ok well maybe it won't be great, or big. I like to think of myself as a simple girl who doesn't take too much to get ready. My boyfriend may disagree, but compared to other girls I know, the products I use are minimal.

I used to live with this girl who literally covered the entire bathroom counter with products. (Julia at the fashion keeper can verify that it's true!) I really don't know how this girl had enough space on her body to accommodate all of her products.

Anyways, here's a few that I could probably live without, but I just wouldn't want to.

For my face: I love Clinique's dramatically different lotion, what's great is that this moisturizer comes in a gel form (for the summer when your face can be a little more oily) as well as a cream form (for the winter when your skin is dry). It is a little expensive, in my opinion, but totally worth it.

I also love Bare Escentuals makeup. Its all minerals and in three steps gives your skin a great even tone. And what's better is that it's actually good for your skin. It doesn't clog your pores and is great for a real natural look. The only downside is that it isn't so great at covering those whopper pimples that I know I'm sometimes prone to get. But I feel like by not covering the zit up with a ton of concealer actually makes it heal faster. So, it's kind of a win-win.

I also just learned about a liquid liner by Stila, it's great. I guess that's all you can say about it. And my new favourite mascara has to be Hypnose by Lancome. It's disgustingly overpriced. But now I'm hooked and I wouldn't give it up ever. I also really like 'Naked Lunch' eyeshadow by MAC. It's almost the same colour as my eyelids, but just adds a tiny bit of warmth and sparkle. Natural, yet pretty.

For my hair and body: I love my hair. It's probably my favourite part of me, and I want to take care of it good. I try to only wash it every other day, and when I do wash it, I try to never blow dry it. I'm also obsessed with Moroccan Oil, and this Kerastase oil that came in my Fashion Week gift bag. Basically any oil that smells nice and I can rub on my noggin for shiny hair is going to win me over.

For the days when I don't wash my hair, I spray Hair Play in it by KMS, it's a dry shampoo. It smells fresh and just absorbs all the grease in your hair. I even keep a little travel sized can of it in my purse in case I need a touch up during the day, which isn't often because it works so good.

Whether the snow likes it or not, Summer is coming and that means shorts and tank tops. I use coconut body butter from the Body Shop all over myself whenever I get the chance, it's not super greasy and it smells the way a tropical goddess would smell so I am all about that. You can even buy it with shimmer on it which is great for summer too. A little shimmer never hurt anyone.

So there you have it. My favourite products as of right now. Is there anything that YOU use right now that you can't get enough of??

It's sunday and I have literally nothing to do. My dishes are done, my apartment is clean. I've already accomplished my workout (2000 sweat points in Just Dance!) and now I sit here watching the kitties sleep. Excellent.

While I love the weekends we share together and the fun stuff Charles and I do on our time off, sometimes it's nice to just sit in our room alone and play dress up while singing Britney Spears. It makes me feel like I'm 14 again, where my biggest worry on the weekend was what to wear to school on Monday.

I had a huge lapse in brain function this week when I went to the dentist and the assistant looked at my file and said, "Wow Jen, we haven't seen you since 2008." And me, the genius, said "ohmygosh, two years is so long!" I really thought it was still 2010. When I got home I thought to myself, two years...wait no... FOUR YEARS. I was astounded, both at the fact four years had gone by without me noticing, and that I had only one small cavity after not seeing a dentist for four years.

But anyways, it's nice to have nothing on the go today. The past couple weeks have been filled with potentially life changing appointments, a little stress and a lot of naps. Today I feel almost liberated. Free to do my thang. And on this Sunday my thing just so happens to be trying on every item in my closet and belting out hits from the early 2000's!

Friday, 9 March 2012

So far my no carb diet is going swimmingly! I'm learning recipes that I never thought I'd be able to pull off, and they're actually good! It's kind of restricting not being able to eat potatoes or pasta in the evening, but I'm making due with things like zucchini and spaghetti squash. I almost can't wait to come home at night and cook something different.

The dinner portion of my meal plan says that I can't have any carbs or starch for dinner, and I need one protein with two veggies. Apparently this is going to be the trifecta of losing weight for me. And like I said. So far I'm really proud of how I am doing.

I've never been one to stick to a diet or exercise regime, so coming this far and not really having any slip ups, is a great feeling.

I've also been trying to work out more. Although my workouts are consisting of flailing around the apartment playing 'Just Dance' for wii. In my opinion it's an amazing workout for someone like me who wants to shoot themselves the second they step on a treadmill. You pretty much work out every part of your body in Just Dance and work up just as much of a sweat, and burn as many calories as you would on an elliptical. Although you have to put the effort in. I go balls to the wall dancing when I do it. I pretend I'm Britney Spears performing for a million people.

steak with browned onions and steamed broccoli

roast pork, green beans, roasted zucchini with salsa

spaghetti squash and zucchini lasagna

So right now I'm just really optimistic about everything, and really excited to go home, eat a healthy dinner and Just Dance!!

I love spring. There, I said it. I love the smell, I love the temperature and I love love what it represents. To me, spring is all about change and trying new things. It seems every spring I'm always doing something significant and life-changing. Last year I moved in with my lovely boyfriend and the year before I changed jobs.

This year is really no different. And I feel as if spring is the real moment when the new year kicks in. It gives me such a sense of possibility. Like I can do anything. And I want to do everything.

Spring is all about anticipation for me too, as it gets warmer, I get more and more excited, being able to wear lighter jackets and skirts without tights until finally its summer and anything goes. Every day is an awesome new guessing game, "hmm, will it be warm enough to wear shorts today? Let's try it!"

Along with the dressing game, I also get this feeling in my gut of just pure joy when I start to see that snow melt. It's kind of like that pure, unadulterated happiness that you feel when you watch animal videos or see a hockey player score for the first time. There's no other way to describe it other than HAPPY.

I'm kind of like a bear, in the winter I go into hibernation mode, and when the weather starts to warm, and the sun finally starts to hang around more often, it's like I'm being awakened. Every part of me wants to jump into something new and exciting. I'm vibrating at a high frequency. (ha!)

I've applied to go back to college in the fall. Who knows if I'll actually be able to swing it financially once September comes, but here's hoping.